Cavities happen to the best of us, kids and adults alike. When your child gets a cavity, you’ll want to fill it as soon as possible to avoid allowing any tooth decay to spread to nearby teeth. By choosing a resin filling, you’re protecting your child’s smile while also boosting their confidence!
What Are Resin Fillings?
Resin fillings are tooth-colored fillings made from durable, strong plastic. These are the most common types of fillings. When applied, the composite resin blends in with the natural tooth, and people are none the wiser that there was ever a cavity there in the first place.
While resin fillings might fool the human eye, it’s important to note that they aren’t quite as strong as natural teeth. Though they are durable and effective, they do require a bit of extra attention and care.
Why Choose Resin Fillings?
Prior to the popularity of resin fillings, metal amalgam fillings were the most widely used option. However, resin fillings have quickly become more popular for three reasons: health, comfort, and appearance.
Most importantly, resin fillings are better for your tooth’s health. To add a metal filling to a tooth, dentists have to remove some of the tooth’s natural structure in order to properly fit it in place. This invasive process undermines what is still remaining of the original tooth. Resin fillings offer a simple alternative, as the resin is a liquid when applied and packs into the tooth’s natural surface without the invasive process required for metal fillings.
For people with metal sensitivities or allergies, resin fillings provide a safer and more comfortable option. Metal fillings are also eye-catching, and not necessarily in a good way. The silver metal is usually visible and can also discolor the surrounding area of the tooth due to corrosion. This is another non-issue with resin fillings, which match the color of the natural tooth.
How to Maintain Resin Fillings
Since resin fillings aren’t as strong as your child’s natural tooth, you’ll need to help them adjust with a few easy changes. Don’t worry – this is much easier than getting them to eat their veggies!
First, help your child avoid eating or chewing anything especially hard. Think ice, pretzels, popcorn kernels, pencils, pens, fingernails… you get the idea. These items can damage or even chip the tooth and filling, which reduces the integrity of the filling.
Harder and chewier foods, like carrots, meat, and bread, will need to be cut into small pieces. Ask your kiddo to chew with their back teeth. As time goes on, this becomes a habit – your child won’t even have to think about it!
You’re likely already making sure your child wears safety gear during sports. This is another reminder of how important it is. Not only does safety gear protect your child’s head, but it will also protect that smile that you love.
Resin Fillings at Bluefish
If you’re in the central Oregon area and are curious about resin fillings, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d love to show your child how much fun the dentist’s office can be.
If your child’s resin restoration chips or fractures, be sure to give us a call right away so we can minimize damage. You might also consider pediatric dental sealants as a way to proactively protect your child’s teeth.